Inflation Work Station

ABSTRACT

An inflation work station for inflating a tire-wheel assembly including a tire mounted to a wheel is disclosed. The inflation work station includes a working device having an end effecter. The end effecter includes a wheel-engaging plunger member, a retaining apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member, and an inflation apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member. The retaining apparatus includes at least one tire-engaging portion extending from a retaining apparatus base member. The inflation apparatus includes at least one inflation probe extending from an inflation apparatus base member. A method for operating an inflation work station is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/335,063 filed on Jan. 18, 2006, which is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/644,857 filed on Jan. 18, 2005. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to transportation and manipulation systems and more particularly relates to systems for transporting and manipulating tires and wheels.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the art that a tire-wheel assembly is processed in several steps. Usually, conventional methodologies that conduct such steps require a significant capital investment and human oversight. The present disclosure provides several exemplary implementations that overcome drawbacks associated with the prior art by setting forth several devices that may be utilized for processing a tire-wheel assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary plant layout utilizing a plurality of work stations and a plurality of wheeled carts to transport tires, wheels, and tire/wheel assemblies between work stations.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary wheeled cart adapted to traverse the circuit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another exemplary wheeled cart adapted to traverse the circuit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a wheel gripping mechanism adapted for attachment to one or more implementations of a wheeled cart.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an exemplary wheeled cart, wherein the wheeled cart is shown proximate an exemplary tire mounting work station located along the circuit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an exemplary wheeled cart having telescoping support legs.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 depicts a first operational stage of locating the wheeled cart of FIGS. 7 and 8 at a work station.

FIG. 10 depicts a second operational stage of loading a work surface of a wheeled cart.

FIGS. 11-13 depict a second system for loading a work surface of a wheeled cart.

FIGS. 14-16 depict a third system for loading a work surface of a wheeled cart.

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of an exemplary wheeled cart stationed at an exemplary tire/wheel mounting work station.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top view of an exemplary radially adjustable working head used on the work station of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an exemplary work station fitted with a cam-operated working head.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22A is a front elevational view of an exemplary tire inflation apparatus.

FIG. 22B is a side elevational view taken along lines 22B-22B of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23 is a partial cross sectional view of an exemplary tire bead seater.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross sectional view of another exemplary tire bead seater.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary inflation work station.

FIGS. 26A-26G illustrate a series of cross-sectional view of the inflation work station according to line 26-26 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view according to arrow 27 of FIG. 26D.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view according to line 28 of FIG. 26D.

FIG. 29 is an exemplary enlarged partial cross-sectional view according line 29 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view according to line 30 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional view according to line 31 of FIG. 28 and line 31-31 of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is an alternative, enlarged partial cross-sectional view referenced from line 32 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view according to line 33 of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view according to line 34-34 of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is another exemplary enlarged partial cross-sectional view according line 32 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view according to line 36 of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged cross-sectional view according to line 37-37 of FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end portion of an inflation probe.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 39-39 of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end portion of an inflation probe.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 41-41 of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end portion of an inflation probe.

FIG. 43A is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 43-43 of FIG. 42.

FIG. 43B is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 43-43 of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end portion of an inflation probe.

FIG. 45A is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 45-45 of FIG. 44.

FIG. 45B is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 45-45 of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end portion of an inflation probe.

FIG. 47A is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 47-47 of FIG. 46.

FIG. 47B is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 47-47 of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end portion of an inflation probe.

FIG. 49A is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 49-49 of FIG. 48.

FIG. 49B is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the distal end portion according to line 49-49 of FIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate exemplary inflation work station. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used to describe the implementations should be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Plant Layout

The plant layout 30 of the present disclosure includes one or more delivery areas 34 adapted to accept the inflow of vehicles carrying wheels, tires, tire pressure valves, tire pressure sensors, and any other components or subcomponents that are adapted to be integrated into a completed tire/wheel assembly. Delivery areas 34 can be adapted to receive trucks, railroad cars or any other delivery means commonly used for the delivery of components used in a tire/wheel assembly. The components are unloaded from the vehicles docked in the delivery areas and they may be transported therefrom to one or more staging areas 36. Staging areas 36 can be used for component inspection, testing, or pre-assembly. Once the components are ready for assembly, they are transported by way of a transport means 38 to a first work station 39. Transport means 38 can be a conveyor system, a wheeled cart or any mechanism used to transport components. First work station 39 operates in a first manner upon the tire/wheel assembly. The particulars of this first operation may include any number of operations (such as mounting an air inflation valve to a wheel and applying soap to select surfaces of the tire, the wheel, or both, or the like). Work station 39 may represent a manual operation, a fully automatic operation, or a hybrid manual-automatic operation. After the task performed at first work station 40 is complete, wheeled cart 42 manipulates its way along circuit 44 by way of track 46. Track 46 is designed to define one or more paths of travel available to wheeled cart 42 and can be comprised of traditional track materials (such as rails and the like) or, it may be comprised of any means that wheeled cart 42 can use to guide its movement as it traverses circuit 44.

Alternatives to installing traditional track materials include a painted line or the like disposed on a floor surface 35 of plant 37. This painted line can be detected using an optical track sensing device located on wheeled cart 42 to guide the traversal path of wheeled cart 42 as it traverses circuit 44. Other track following devices (e.g. proximity devices) may be used such as pressure sensitive sensors used to follow a floor depression or a floor protuberance. It is also contemplated that various conduits, electrical conductors or other means can be laid beneath the surface of the plant floor 35 such that radio frequency, ultrasonic or other sensing means can be used to sense the location of the “buried” tracks. Track 46 can be positioned above or below wheeled cart 42. It is also contemplated that wheeled cart 42 can include a receiver (e.g. a radio) and servo controller, wherein the receiver is capable of receiving GPS coordinate information. Under this design, cart 42 could use the GPS coordinate information for traversing one or more paths of circuit 44 defined within a preprogrammed storage means. Preprogrammed storage means can be implemented on cart 42, or can be implemented on a remote central controller (not shown) wherein the coordinate information could be transmitted from the remote controller to cart 42.

Predefined zones 45 along circuit 44 can split into parallel track segments 22, 48. Parallel track segments 22 can include cross-over segments 24. Cross-over segments 24 positioned between parallel track segments 22 allow a cart that is located on one of the parallel track segments 22 to cross-over to a neighboring parallel track. This cross-over function can be useful if a cart 42 is taken off-line for servicing or is otherwise rendered unoperational. Circuit 44 can be designed to include two or more parallel cart tracks 22, 48, at select locations along circuit 44, where various work stations are located. For example, tire mounter work stations 50, 50′ and tire inflator work stations 52, 52′ are located along parallel tracks 22. Also, tire pressure monitor checker work stations 54, 54′ and bead seater work station 56, 56′ are located in parallel cart tracks 48. Pick and place work stations 58, 58′ can be used to remove tire/wheel assemblies from the carts traversing circuit 44 and to transfer the tire/wheel assemblies to off-circuit work stations (such as balancer/balance audit work station 60). From work station 60, the tire/wheel assemblies are transferred to silo 62 where they are categorized, stacked, and otherwise made ready for shipment by way of carriers 64. If any tire/wheel assemblies do not meet audit standards, they are transitioned by way of a wheeled cart 42 to a repair work station 40 where repair is attempted.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a wheeled cart 42, 66 that includes a plurality of wheels 68 adapted to engage a load bearing surface 70 (such as a plant floor 35 or the like). Wheeled cart 42, 66 can include one or more motors 69 which are controlled by one or more controllers 71. One or more controllers 71 can be powered by one or more electric batteries 73. In an alternative implementation, electric power for powering the various electric devices 69, 71 on wheeled cart 66 can be delivered via electrical conductors placed along load bearing surface 70 wherein wheeled cart 66 can be fashioned with contact elements (such as brushes or the like) effective for transferring electrical current from the conductive members in load bearing surface 70 to the electrical components 69, 71 on wheeled cart 42, 66. Various implementations of track reader 75 have already been discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1 and track reader 75 includes any means of determining the position of wheeled cart 42, 66 with respect to one or more prescribed paths 46, 77 along load bearing surface 70. The prescribed path can be defined by track materials or other physical mediums 46, 77 (already described) associated with floor 35, or the prescribed path may be coordinate data associated with the plant floor (that is never embodied in the plant floor—e.g. GPS coordinates).

One or more controllers 71 are effective for interfacing with wheel motors 67, 67′, battery 73, and track reader 75 for manipulating the direction, speed and other devices that may be located on wheeled cart 42, 66. Controller 71 can be preprogrammed to operate autonomously without the intervention of a central controller (central controller not shown) or, in the alternative, wheeled cart 42, 66 can be designed so that it executes the commands transmitted to it by way of a central controller. Commands may be transmitted to wheeled cart 42, 66 from a central controller by way of radio signals, track member 77, or other means (e g infrared signals, copper cables, and the like).

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary wheeled cart 42, 66 that can be a single unit implementation (see FIG. 2) or a double unit implementation (see FIG. 3). Single unit implementations are typically capable of carrying one tire/wheel assembly while dual unit carts are capable of carrying a pair of tire/wheel assemblies (see FIG. 3). Also, wheeled cart 42, 66 can be fashioned with one or more sensing bumpers 78 which communicate with controller 71. Whenever contact is made against sensing bumper 78, controller 71 can respond in any number of ways (such as immediately ceasing movement of wheeled cart 42, 66 in order to avoid possible equipment damage). Wheeled carts 42, 66 can be designed to carry any number of working apparatus' 73. For example, the exemplary working apparatus 73 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a radially adjustable wheel gripping mechanism for gripping an inner diameter portion 78 of a wheel 80.

Now referring to FIGS. 2-4, wheel gripping mechanism 73 includes base 82 which is attached to wheeled cart 42, 66. Base 82 supports, at a first pivot joint 83, one or more hinged arms 84. Hinged arms 84 terminate at a second pivot joint 93, that pivotally supports a wheel gripping member 92. Intermediate arm 86 includes a first end 94 and a second end 96. First end 94 of intermediate arm 86 is pivotally connected to hinged arm 84 and the second end 96 of intermediate arm 86 is pivotally connected to threaded nut 88. Threaded nut 88 is threadedly connected to threaded drive shaft 90. Threaded drive shaft 90 can be rotated from either motor 69 (mounted to wheeled cart 42, 66) or via an external motor 71 which can be selectively engaged to a top portion 93 of threaded drive shaft 90 when wheeled cart 42, 66 is located in proximity to one or more work stations. When either motor 69 or 71 is rotated, threaded nut 88 traverses threaded drive shaft 90 along path 94. Traversal path 94 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 91 of threaded drive shaft 90. When threaded nut 88 traverses path 94, linkage 84, 86 causes wheel gripping members 92 to traverse along path 96. Path 96 is substantially perpendicular to path 94. When working apparatus 73 is placed within an inner diameter 78 of a wheel 80 (see FIG. 3), and motor 69, 71, is rotated 72, wheel gripping members 92 can be made to move outwardly along path 96 until they outwardly urge against the inner diameter 78 of wheel 80. Inner diameter 78 can be defined as a surface of the wheel 80 that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 91. This outward urging is effective for maintaining the vehicle wheel in a fixed position with respect to wheeled cart 42, 66. It can also be easily understood that working apparatus 73 is effective for gripping any number of different wheel diameters by virtue of the expanded or contracted positions wheel gripping members 92 can be made to assume (by virtue of manipulating either motor 69 or 71). The right-most working apparatus in FIG. 3 shows (in phantom) a wheel 80′ (having a first wheel diameter) supported by wheel gripping mechanism 73 (in phantom) in a first position and also shows wheel 80 (having a second wheel diameter) supported by wheel gripping mechanism 73 in a second position. Thus, the working apparatus 73 of FIGS. 2-4 is effective for gripping and securing a tire/wheel assembly to wheeled cart 42, 66 as wheeled cart travels from work station to work station.

Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, wheeled cart 42, 66 is shown in proximity to tire mounting work station 50. Tire mounting work station 50 includes a working head 100 which is vertically manipulatable 102 by way of drive 104. Working head 100 can carry any number of working apparatus designed to do work upon tire and wheel assembly. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary working apparatus that includes a motor 71 for rotating the wheel 108 at the appropriate time. Other tire installation tools can be attached to working head 100 such as guide foot 110 which is used in a per se known manner to guide tire 106 onto wheel 108 as wheel is rotated by motor 69 or 71. Guide foot 110 maybe horizontally manipulatable along axis 114 by way of actuator 112. By enabling guide foot 110 to be manipulatable along axis 114, guide foot 110 can be adjusted to accommodate wheel sizes of different diameters. Although the implementation of FIGS. 5 and 6 shows motor 71 coupled to the top portion 93 of threaded drive shaft 90 (see FIG. 4), the rotation of working apparatus 73 may also be powered by one or more motors 69 located within wheeled cart 42, 66. An implementation of the wheeled cart 42, 66 depicted in FIG. 6 may carry two tire/wheel assemblies. FIG. 5 shows a tire/wheel pair positioned ready to be joined (i.e. mounted) to one another, and the left-most tire/wheel pair shown in FIG. 6 shows a tire/wheel pair after tire mounting work station 50 has mounted tire 106 to wheel 108.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a work station having a tire inflation work station 52, 52′ includes a right segment 116 of tire inflation work station 52, 52′ and a left segment 118 of tire inflation work station 52, 52′. Right and left segments 116, 118 are spaced apart 120 to create a space therebetween sufficient to accept wheeled cart 66. The work stations can carry any number of working devices 122 and, for example, the work station of FIG. 7 carries a tire inflation apparatus 124. In addition to carrying tire inflation apparatus 124, working device 122 can also include a motor 126 and a controller 128 for manipulating and controlling the tire inflation apparatus 124 during operation. Wheeled cart 66 can be powered by battery 73 which is controlled by controller 71. Controller 71 can interface with one or more wheel drive motors 130, 132 to propel wheeled cart 66 along track 77.

Now referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, wheeled cart 66 can be constructed with one or more vertical supports 138, 140 which extend between cart base 134 and cart work surface 136. Vertical supports 138, 140 may be collapsible so that when a load 142 of sufficient magnitude is placed upon cart work surface 136, vertical supports 138 and 140 collapse (i.e. compress).

Right and left segments 116, 118 include respectively associated load bearing surfaces 144, 146. Each load bearing surface, 144, 146 includes a respectively associated engagement member 148, 150 which is adapted to engage a respectively associated mating engagement member 152, 154 associated with cart work surface 136. Although engagement members 148, 150 are shown as male projections and engagement members 152, 154 are shown as female depressions located within cart work surface 136, and any number of different geometries may be used to positively locate cart work surface 136 against load bearing surfaces 144, 146 when cart work surface 136 is depressed by load 142. In some implementations, vertical support members 138, 140 may include two or more tubular telescoping members 156, 158 that are sized appropriately such that one of the members 158 is telescopically received within an adjacent member 156. Telescoping members 156, 158 can include a hollow central passageway 160 wherein an urging device 162 can reside. Urging device 162 can include a mechanical coil spring, compressed gas cylinder, or any other means effective for expanding telescopic members 156, 158 once load 142 is removed. In an implementation, telescoping members 156, 158 may comprise the outer housing of a gas cylinder and passageway 160 may be charged with a compressed gas.

The operation of a work station (exemplified by 52, 52′) in conjunction with wheeled cart 42, 66 will now be explained in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10.

Once wheeled cart 42, 66 is properly positioned within opening 120 of work station 52, 52′, working device 122 can be engaged to do its work upon work piece 164. In the example of FIGS. 9 and 10, work station 52, 52′ is a tire inflation work station and work piece 164 is a tire which has been mounted to a wheel but has not yet been inflated.

In order for work station 52, 52′ to inflate tire 164, working device 122 may be manipulated by controller 128 to lower inflation head 166 into operative engagement with work piece 164. This lowering operation 168 is accomplished by motor 126 and its associated drive mechanism 170.

Now referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the strength of spring means 162 is designed such that it is sufficient to support work piece 164 in an extended position such that cart work surface 136 easily clears (i.e. is elevated above) load bearing surfaces 144, 146. However, urging device 162 is sized so that when the downward thrust 172 of working device 122 is exerted upon work piece 164, urging device 162 is not sufficiently strong to resist the downward thrust 172 thereby resulting in the compression of telescoping members 156, 158. This compression of members 156, 158 causes cart work surface 136 to move downwardly until cart work surface 136 engages load bearing surfaces 144, 146. At that point, cart work surface 136 ceases any further downward movement because any further load exerted by working devices 122 is absorbed by load bearing surface 144, 146 and not by members 156, 158. The proper alignment of paired engaging means 148, 152 and 150, 154 ensures that there will be no lateral shift of cart work surface 136 during the course in which working device 122 performs work upon work piece 164. It is important to note that if mating pairs of engagement means are cone shaped (see 144, 152) they promote/guide self alignment as surface 136 drops. Accordingly, cart 42, 66 does not have to be precisely aligned within space 120. It merely may be within a zone that is defined by the geometry of paired engaging means 148, 152 and 150, 154. In view of the above referenced description, it is easily understood that wheeled cart 66 can be constructed from much lighter materials than would be otherwise possible if the structure of cart 42, 66 were responsible for bearing all of the working load exerted by working device 122 on work piece 164.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an exemplary implementation of a wheeled cart of the present disclosure. Now referring to FIGS. 11-13, wheeled cart 42, 66 is constructed with rigid (i.e. non-collapsible, non-extendable) legs. Work station 52, 52′ includes one or more sliding wedges 176, 178 which are vertically manipulatable along a respectively associated portion of load bearing surface 144, 146. Sliding wedges 176, 178 can be activated using any number of known actuator mechanisms 180, 182 such as hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, electric motors and the like. Mechanisms 180, 182 are effective for vertically sliding 184, 186 their respectively associated sliding wedges 176, 178 under a bottom portion 188, 190 of cart work surface 136.

Now referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when mechanisms 180, 182 are activated by controller 128 to extend their respectively associated wedges 176, 178 under a bottom surface 188, 190 of cart work surface 136, the include face 192, 194 of each wedge 176, 178 forms a lifting ramp and moves cart work surface 136 upwardly 196. Because legs 174 are rigid (non-collapsible or non-extendable), the entire wheeled cart assembly 42, 66 is elevated 198 from the load bearing surface 70 as is shown in FIG. 12. Once wheeled cart 66 is elevated from load bearing surface 70, inflation head 166 can be lowered 172 and can be used to operate upon work piece 164 (see FIG. 13). In doing so, none of the downward thrust exerted by working device 122 is born by the wheels 68 or the legs 174 of wheeled cart 42, 66 inasmuch as all of the downward thrust exerted by working device 122 is born by load bearing surfaces 144, 146 by way of sliding wedges 176, 178. Each sliding wedge 176, 178 can include a respectively associated engagement means 148, 150. Also, cart work surface 136 can be fashioned with one or more complimentary (i.e. mating) engaging means 152, 154 which are respectively associated with engaging means 148, 150. Engaging means pair 148, 152 and 150, 154 are adapted to engage one another while wheeled cart 42, 66 is lifted 198 from load bearing surface 70 in order to prevent the lateral movement of cart work surface 136 throughout a period of time in which working device 122 operates on work piece 164.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a wheeled cart 42, 66 that is fashioned with telescoping vertical supports 138, 140. Telescoping vertical supports 138, 140 have already been described in conjunction with the cart shown in FIGS. 7-10. Cart 42, 66 includes rigid, vertical post 200 which is firmly secured to cart work surface 136. Vertical post 200 may extend through the hollow center portion of work piece 164, or, in some implementations, vertical post 200 may extend from cart work surface 136 along an outer edge region of cart work surface 136. Vertical post 200 can be fashioned with a notch 204 and working device 122 may include a notch engaging mechanism 206. When working device 122 is activated, inflation head 166, is lowered 172 against work piece 164. Notch engaging mechanism 206 is controlled by controller 128, and it is adapted to engage notch 204 thereby securely joining working device 122 with vertical post 220 (see FIG. 15). Next, working device 122 is activated such that it lifts 173 vertical post 200 upwardly (see FIG. 16). Because vertical post 200 is rigid and firmly attached to cart work surface 136, cart work surface 136 also lifts upwardly. Telescopic legs 138, 140 permit the upward movement of cart work surface 136 while allowing the wheels 68 of wheeled cart 66 to remain engaged against load bearing surface 70. It is easily seen that by utilizing the rigid, vertical post 200 in conjunction with the lifting mechanism in working device 122, that any downward thrust exerted by working device 122 upon work piece 164 is absorbed by vertical post 200 and is not born by the telescoping leg portions 138, 140 or the wheels 68 of wheeled cart 66.

Now referring to FIG. 17, wheeled cart can be positioned at tire/wheel mounting work station 50, 50′. Work station 50, 50′ includes working device 122 which, in the present example, is a tire/wheel mounting working device. Working device 122 may have a motor 257 for rotating working arm assembly 250 (working arm assembly is shown in greater detail in FIG. 19). In some implementations, assembly 250 may be rotationally fixed and the wheel 226 may instead by rotated. Motor 257 is coupled to drive mechanism 258. Drive mechanism 258 is effective for coupling the rotational movement of motor 257 to shaft 261. Drive mechanism 258 may include a worm gear drive, a spur gear drive or the like. Both motor 257 and drive mechanism 258 are preferably coupled to a common platform 263 which in turn, is coupled to vertical drive motor 262. Vertical drive motor 262 is effective for vertically manipulating 251 the vertical position of shaft 261, drive mechanism 258, motor 257 and platform 255. In applications where it is desirable, platform 255, motor 257, drive mechanism 258, and shaft 261 may be horizontally manipulated 259 by implementing any known linear drive technique.

Now referring to FIGS. 17-19, shaft 261 is coupled to working arm assembly 250. Working arm assembly 250 is fixed to and rotates 253 with shaft 261. Working arm assembly 250 includes at least one arm that is extendable by way of an extension cylinder 252. Extension cylinder 252 when it is in a minimum extended state is effective for extending a working end (e.g. roller member 269) to a first radial position 263. When extension cylinder 252 is extended to a maximum state, it is effective for positioning roller member 269 in a second radial position 265. Other radial positions intermediate first radial position 263 and second radial position 265 may be accomplished by activating extension cylinder 252 to a position intermediate the minimum and maximum states. The presence of extension cylinder 252 in conjunction with the other pivoting members which make up working arm assembly 250 allow wheel member 269 to be adjusted to any number of radial positions 255. This adjustability allows the roller member 269 to accommodate a plurality of wheel sizes simply by adjusting the extension or contraction state of extension cylinder 252. This adjustability of wheel member 269 to circumscribe any number of wheel diameters is important in tire/wheel mounting applications wherein wheel member 269 is the primary working member to effect the mounting of the tire to the wheel. Such mounting techniques are known in the art.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a tire inflation work station having a working device 122 that includes a first inflation head 300 that is adapted to inflate tire/wheel assemblies of a first diameter. First inflation head 300 is telescopically nested within second inflation head 302 which is adapted to inflate tire/wheel assemblies of a second diameter. Heads 300, 302 can be carried by a common platform which is vertically displaceable. At least one of the inflation heads 300, 302 is adapted to be vertically manipulated 306 with respect to the other inflation head. This manipulation can be carried out by way of one or more cam lift mechanisms 340, 342 that are positionable between a first latch position 344 and a second latch position 346. When cam mechanism 340 is manipulated into the first latch position 344, first inflation head 300 is positioned in the extended position thereby enabling it to be placed in operational engagement with the tire/wheel assembly and allowing head 300 to be used to inflate the tire/wheel assembly. When cam mechanism is in the second latch position 346, first inflation head 300 is manipulated upwardly (i.e. in a retracted position) thereby exposing second inflation head 302 to extend beyond head 300. This places head 302 in a position to operatively engage the tire/wheel assembly to be inflated. The manipulation of cam members 340, 342 can be actuated manually or it can be done by way of automated means (such as by pneumatic, electric or hydraulic motors). Automated means as well as cam linkages in general are well known to those skilled in the art.

Now referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, an exemplary system for inflating a tire/wheel assembly includes an inflation probe 400 which can be attached to a working device 122 (not shown) of a work station (not shown). Inflation probe 400 can have a generally tubular body with an air passage conduit 402 formed within the body of the inflation probe 400. Inflation probe 400 can terminate into a head portion 404 that is formed to have an outer contour that generally matches the tire contour when the tire is depressed by the head portion 404 of inflation probe 400. The contour of head portion 404 may be specifically designed and contoured for a given tire design inasmuch as tire wall thicknesses and tire materials may differ in rigidity and stiffness. Head portion 404 is fitted with an internal secondary conduit 406. Secondary conduit 406 is connected to conduit 402 and is effective for delivering air into the inner portion 408 of tire/wheel assembly 419. The inflation probe 400 may include one or advantages over traditional ring style inflators. Firstly, traditional inflators may use a ring to introduce air 360 degrees around a gap 416 formed between the wheel 412 and the tire 410. During inflation, the tire 410 generates large upward forces against the ring. In order to resist these upward forces generated during inflation, the work station may be constructed from extremely heavy materials. Secondly, control timing of ring inflators may result in the generation of loud noises arising from a rush of escaping air if the ring is removed prematurely.

Using the inflation probe 400 simplifies the inflation process inasmuch as it is placed between the wheel 412 and the tire 410 proximate the wheel bead seat 414 and air is passed through conduits 402, 406. As air passes into chamber 408, the tire 410 begins to inflate and seal against the bead seat 414 of the wheel 412. Once sufficient air has passed into area 408, inflation probe 400 may be withdrawn from its position between the tire bead and the wheel bead seat 414 and the pressure within chamber 408 will properly seat any remaining portion of the bead of the tire 410 against the wheel bead seat 414 of the wheel 412.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a bead seater apparatus that includes an upper wheel clamp 510 and a lower wheel clamp 512. At least one of upper wheel clamp 510 or lower wheel clamp 512 is movable in parallel 517, 517′ with the axis of rotation 515 of wheel and tire assembly 509. By being able to manipulate at least one of the upper wheel clamp or lower wheel clamp 510, 512 in parallel with axis of rotation 515, wheel clamp assembly 510, 512 is capable of opening a gap therebetween to accept a hub portion of a wheel 518 and (once the hub portion 518 is in proper location), closing upon hub portion 518 such that wheel clamps 510, 512 sandwich hub portion 518 of wheel 519 therebetween positively gripping assembly 509. Movement 517, 517′ of clamps 510, 512 can be accomplished by way of overhead cylinder 520. In an some implementations (not shown), cylinder 520 can be placed below assembly 509. Cylinder 520 can accomplish its clamping stroke by way of any number of technologies well known to those skilled in the art including, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic actuators, or the like. Cylinder 520 can be attached to a working device 122 and be made part of a work station as has been discussed herein. Clamp 512 can be made part of a wheeled cart 42, 66 as disclosed herein.

Once clamps 510, 512 have been manipulated to sandwich hub 518 therebetween, the sidewalls 524, 526 of tire 522 are brought into contact with deforming rollers 528, 530. The function of deforming rollers 528, 530 is to temporarily deflect the sidewall of tire 522 inwardly (towards the air filled core of the tire) enough to deflect the bead portion of the tire away from the bead seating portion of wheel 519. In some implementations, the deforming rollers 528, 530 may engage the sidewall of tire 522 as close as possible to the interface portion between the tire sidewall and the bead seat portion of the wheel. It is advantageous for deforming rollers 528, 530 to deflect the bead seating portion of the tire in this vicinity because it is believed that by “flexing” the tire in this vicinity, it disturbs the equilibrium established between the tire bead and the wheel bead seat and this disturbance will cause an improperly seated tire to properly seat. It will also encourage the evacuation of any air bubbles that may be trapped between the tire bead and the wheel bead seat. Although FIG. 23 is shown with two deforming rollers 528, 530, it is contemplated that the present disclosure may employ, one, two or more than two deforming rollers. For example, it is contemplated that upper deforming roller 528 may have a counter part upper deforming roller spaced 180 degrees from it (180 degrees with respect to rotational axis 515) and, likewise, it is contemplated that lower deforming roller 530 might have a counterpart roller spaced 180 degrees from it (180 degrees relative to rotational axis 515).

Once deforming rollers 528, 530 are engaged against the sidewalls of tire 522, tire 522 is rotated about its axis of rotation 515. This rotational motion can be imparted to tire 522 in any number of ways including rotating roller 532 which is connected to a drive motor (not shown) and which contacts the tread portion of tire 522. Additional rotational mechanisms can be used such as one or more guide rollers 534, 536, 538. One or more of the guide rollers 534, 536, 538 can be connected to a rotational drive means (not shown) such as an electric motor, pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or the like wherein the guide roller imparts rotational energy to the tire 522 by way of its sidewall portion 526. In some implementations, one or more the deforming rollers 528, 530 may be coupled to a drive motor or the like to impart rotational energy the side wall of the tire while they concurrently deform the side wall of the tire as explained above. It is contemplated that the rotational energy imparted to wheel and tire assembly 509 can be accomplished by way of a motor attached to cylinder 520 or to clamp 512.

It is contemplated that wheel and tire assembly can be carried on a wheeled cart 42, 66 (such as disclosed herein) from work station to work station and that the apparatus shown in FIG. 23 can be part of a tire bead seating station. Once the robotic cart is in proper location within the tire bead seating station, lower wheel clamp 512 (which is part of the permanent portion of the wheel bead seating station) moves upwardly engaging hub portion 518 thereby lifting wheels 68 (not shown) from the floor. It is contemplated that the upward movement imparted by lower wheel clamp 512 to wheel and tire assembly 9 can also be used to drive the upper side wall portion of tire 522 against guide rollers 534, 536, 538 if such guide rollers are used. These guide rollers, if used, can function to stabilize the tire during its rotation as described above. Once the tire 522 is manipulated against guide rollers 534, 536, 538, deforming rollers 528, 530 and roller 532 (if used) can be manipulated into place to accomplish the bead seating function described above.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an upper wheel clamp 510, a lower wheel clamp 512, and overhead cylinder 520 which function to clampingly retain the hub portion 518 of wheel 519 therebetween and with the addition of a lifting drive mechanism (not shown) are capable of lifting a wheeled cart 42, 66 off of the floor (wheeled cart not shown). The details of the interaction between upper wheel clamp 510, lower wheel clamp 512, overhead cylinder, and lifting mechanism are discussed above and will not be repeated here. Unlike the implementation illustrated in FIG. 23, the implementation illustrated in FIG. 24, does not use rotational movement about axis 515 in conjunction with deforming rollers 528, 530 to disturb the seating area between tire bead and wheel bead seat. Rather, the implementation illustrated in FIG. 24 may use two platens (upper platen 540 and lower platen 542) to squeeze against the respectively associated upper and lower side wall portions of tire 522 while still remaining spaced apart 544, 546 from the lateral edge of wheel 519. Once this sandwiching relationship between the side wall portions of tire 519 and upper and lower platens 540, 542 has been established, one or both platens 540, 542 are vibrated 548 against their respectively associated tire side wall portions such that the vibrational energy imparted to the tire bead portion of tire 522 causes the tire bead to lodge properly in the wheel bead seat. At no time does the platen actually contact the lateral sides of wheel 519 and thus all the vibrational energy imparted to the wheel and tire assembly 509 is imparted from platens 540, 542 to the side walls of tire 522 in the proximate area in which the wheel bead seat interfaces to the tire bead. Vibrational energy 548 can be imparted to the platens using any number of well known techniques such as eccentric cams rotated by electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy or the like. In some implementations, after platens 540, 542 are manipulated against the side walls of tire 522 to sandwich the tire side walls therebetween, the platens 540, 542 can remain stationary and the hub portion 518 of wheel 519 can be upwardly and downwardly vibrated. This upward and downward vibration of wheel 519 can be accomplished either by way of a dual purpose overhead cylinder which can be located above the tire and wheel assembly 509 (shown in FIG. 24) or below tire and wheel assembly 509 (not shown in FIG. 24) or can be imparted by way of a separate vibrational mechanism shown schematically as 550 in FIG. 24. The wheel and tire assembly 509 may be held fixed, and, platens 540, 542 may be vibrated against tire 522, or, platens 540, 542 are held in a sandwich relationship against the side walls of tire 522 and wheel 519 is vibrated. An aspect of the present invention is that there be established a vibrational displacement of the tire bead seating portion of tire 522 in proximity of the bead seating portion of wheel 519.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an inflation work station 600. The inflation work station 600 may be included in the exemplary plant layout 30 of FIG. 1. In an implementation, the inflation work station 600 may be included, for example, at the location of a tire inflator work station identified at reference numeral 52 of the plant layout 30 and may perform an inflation operation so as to inflate a tire-wheel assembly, TW, that includes a tire, T, that is positioned relative a wheel, W. An inflation operation for inflating the tire-wheel assembly, TW, may be a manual operation, a fully automatic operation, or a combination of a (i.e., a hybrid) manual-automatic operation.

In some implementations, as seen, for example, in FIGS. 26A-26C, the tire-wheel assembly, TW, may be initially positioned upon a wheeled cart 42 that navigates a circuit 44 of the plant layout 30; the wheeled cart 42 may deliver the tire, T, and wheel, W, to the inflation work station 600 such that a portion of the inflation work station 600 may engage (see, e.g., FIGS. 26B-26C) one or more of the tire, T, and, wheel, W, then lift/remove (see, e.g., FIGS. 26D-26G) the tire, T, and wheel, W, from the wheeled cart 42. As described above, the circuit 44 may include a track 46 that forms one or more paths of travel available to the wheeled cart 42. In some implementations, the track 46 can be comprised of a track material, such as, for example, rails and the like, or, in some implementations, the track 46 may be comprised of any means (e.g., a track reader 75 and track member 77 seen, e.g., in FIGS. 7-10) that the wheeled cart 42 can use to guide its movement as it traverses circuit 44.

Referring to FIG. 25, in some implementations, the inflation work station 600 may include a working device 602. The working device 602 may extend from an upper surface 145, 147 of a load bearing member 144, 146 of the inflation work station 600. In some implementations, the wheeled cart 42 may be arranged relative the load bearing member 144, 146 in a substantially similar fashion as seen in FIGS. 7-10. Further, in some implementations, the upper surface 145, 147 of the load bearing member 144, 146 may also include an engagement member 148, 150 that may be interfaced with a respectively-associated mating engagement recess 152, 154 (see, e.g., FIGS. 26A-26C) formed in a lower surface 137 of a work surface member 136 of the wheeled cart 42.

As seen in FIG. 25, the working device 602 may be formed to include a robotic arm 604 having a first end 604 a and a second end 604 b. The first end 604 a may be attached to the upper surface 145, 147 of the load bearing member 144, 146. The second end 604 b terminates with/may include an end effecter 606 that may be selectively coupled to/selectively interfaced with the tire-wheel assembly, TW. The working device 602 may also be in communication with a motor 608 and a controller 610 for controlling movements of any portion of the working device 602 and/or an inflation operation performed by the working device 602 for inflating the tire-wheel assembly, TW.

In some implementations, the end effecter 606 may include a retaining apparatus 612 and an inflation apparatus 614. An orientation of one or more components comprising the retaining apparatus 612 may be spatially manipulated in order to selectively engage one or more of the tire, T, and wheel, W, for retaining the tire-wheel assembly, TW, to the robotic arm 604. The inflation apparatus 614 selectively engages one or more of the tire, T, and wheel, W, and supplies a fluid, F (see, e.g., FIGS. 26D-26E), such as, e.g., air, which may or may not be pressurized, to the tire-wheel assembly, TW, for inflating the tire-wheel assembly, TW.

The end effecter 606 may include a wheel-engaging plunger member 616. Each of the retaining apparatus 612 and the inflation apparatus 614 may be in/directly connected to and/or be movably-coupled relative to the wheel-engaging plunger member 616. The wheel-engaging plunger member 616 may include an axially-projecting portion 618 (see also, e.g., FIGS. 26A-26G). One or more of the wheel-engaging plunger member 616 and the axially-projecting portion 618 may be interfaceably-coupled to the wheel, W. As seen in FIGS. 26B-26G, in an implementation, the axially-projecting portion 618 may be arranged within an axial opening, W_(O), of the wheel, W. To provide a frame of reference for axial and radial directions described in the following disclosure, an axis, A-A, is shown extending through the axial opening, W_(O), of the wheel, W.

Referring to FIG. 25, in an implementation, the retaining apparatus 612 may include a first tire-engaging portion 612 a and a second tire-engaging portion 612 b each extending from a retaining apparatus base member 620. Each of the first and second tire-engaging portions 612 a, 612 b include a retaining apparatus radially-projecting portion 622 that may be movably-coupled to the retaining apparatus base member 620 in order to permit each of the first and second tire-engaging portions 612 a, 612 b to move radially outwardly or radially inwardly according to the direction of arrow R, R′.

Each of the first and second tire-engaging portions 612 a, 612 b may include one or more axially-projecting portions 624 that axially project away from a lower surface 626 of the retaining apparatus radially-projecting portion 622. Each of the axially-projecting portions 624 may include a head portion 628. In some implementations, the head portion 628 of each axially-projecting portion 624 may include a greater dimension (e.g., a greater diameter) than that of its corresponding axially-projecting portion 624. In some implementations, the head portion 628 may include rubber or a material having a degree of elasticity and/or a coefficient of friction that may be greater than that of the axially-projecting portion 624 in order to increase the likelihood of positively-retaining the tire-wheel assembly, TW, with the retaining apparatus 612. As will be described in the following disclosure, the one or more head portions 628 may come into contact with and engage a tread surface, T_(T), of the tire, T.

In an implementation, the inflation apparatus 614 may include a first inflation probe 614 a and a second inflation probe 614 b each extending from an inflation apparatus base member 630. The inflation apparatus base member 630 may be movably-coupled relative to the wheel-engaging plunger member 616 (see, e.g., FIGS. 26A, 26D-26F) in order to permit the inflation apparatus 614 to be movably-disposed, in first or second axial directions A₆₁₄ (see, e.g., FIGS. 26D-26F)/A₆₁₄′ (see, e.g., FIG. 26A).

Each of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may be connected to the inflation apparatus base member 630 by way of a probe radially-projecting portion 632 (see, e.g., FIGS. 26A-26G). The probe radially projecting portion 632 may include a first end 632 a coupled to the inflation apparatus base member 630 and a second end 632 b coupled to a distal end portion 656 (see, e.g., FIGS. 38-39) of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b. In some implementations, the second end 632 b may form a pivot joint that permits the distal end portion 656 of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b to pivotably move relative the probe radially-projecting portion 632 in clockwise direction or counter-clockwise direction according to the direction of arrows, P, P′ (see, e.g., FIGS. 26A-26B, 26D-26F).

FIGS. 26A-26G illustrate an exemplary series of movements of the end effecter 606 for retaining the tire-wheel assembly, TW, with the retaining apparatus 612 and subsequently inflating the tire-wheel assembly, TW, with the inflation apparatus 614. FIG. 26A generally illustrates the end effecter 606 in a disengaged orientation such that no portion of the end effecter 606 comes into contact with the tire-wheel assembly, TW. FIGS. 26B-26G illustrate the end effecter 606 arranged in at least a partially-engaged orientation with the tire-wheel assembly, TW. As described above, any portion of the working device 602 may be in communication with one or more of the motor 608 and the controller 610 in order to control movements (see, e.g., FIGS. 26A-26G) of any portion of the working device 602 and/or to control an inflation operation (see, e.g., FIGS. 26D-26E) performed by the working device 602 for inflating the tire-wheel assembly, TW. Accordingly, in an implementation, the controller 610 may include a program that causes actuation of the motor 608 for driving the end effecter 606 to move or actuate in a specified manner.

Referring initially to FIG. 26A, prior to arranging any portion of the end effecter 606 in at least a partially engaged orientation with the tire-wheel assembly, TW, the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may be initially arranged in an expanded orientation. If one or more of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b are initially arranged in at least a partially-retracted orientation (see, e.g., phantom outline of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b in FIG. 26A), one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 may cause one or more of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b to pivot, P, P′, from the at least partially retracted orientation to at least a partially expanded orientation. In an implementation, the at least partially expanded orientation may result in the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b being arranged in an orientation that is spatially beyond a circumference, W_(C),/diameter, W_(D), of the wheel, W, such that any portion of the wheel, W, does not interfere with the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b as the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b are axially moved, A₆₁₄′, A₆₁₆, proximate a bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W.

Although it has been explained above that the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may be initially arranged to be in an expanded orientation to alleviate potential interference of the wheel, W, with the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b, in some circumstances, the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may be arranged in an orientation that may be significantly beyond the circumference, W_(C),/diameter, W_(D), of the wheel, W. Thus, although the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may be initially arranged in an initially expanded or initially retracted orientation, such “expanded” or “retracted” orientations may be relative in view of a size/geometry of the wheel, W. For example, some wheels, W, may be smaller, e.g., in diameter, W_(D), than that of other wheels, W; accordingly, in some implementations, although the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may appear to be in at least a partially retracted orientation, if the wheel, W, is significantly small, e.g., in diameter, W_(D), the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may not have to be further expanded from at least a partially retracted orientation.

In some implementations, the end effecter 606 may further include a sensor 634 that may sense, S, a geometry, such as, e.g., the diameter, W_(D), of the wheel, W. The sensor 634 may be in communication with one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 in order to cause one or more of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b to pivot, P, P′, to/from retracted and expanded orientations. Accordingly, in some implementations, the sensor 634 may be utilized during the procedure for arranging the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b in one of an expanded/retracted orientation in order to compensate for potentially different wheel geometries. By refining the expanded/retracted orientation of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b in response to sensing, S, the geometry of the wheel, W, manufacturing time may be saved by automatically arranging the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b to be in an orientation that is, e.g., just beyond the sensed diameter, W_(D), of the wheel, W, rather than manually arranging the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b in an orientation to accommodate a particular geometry of a particular wheel, W.

Before, during or after any pivoting movement, P, P′, of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b described above, axial movement, A₆₁₄′, A₆₁₆, of one or more portions of the end effecter 606 may result in one or more of the wheel engaging plunger member 616 and axially-projecting portion 618 being located proximate the wheel, W, and/or the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b being located proximate the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W, in response to, for example, actuation of/instruction from one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610. As illustrated in FIG. 26A, an implement of the axial movement may include one or more axial components, which are shown generally at arrows A₆₁₄′, A₆₁₆. In some implementations, a first axial component may include axial movement identified at arrow A₆₁₄′ that is related to axial movement of the inflation apparatus base member 630 relative the wheel-engaging plunger member 616 of the end effecter 606 (see, e.g., a comparison of an axial spacing, AS, between, e.g., a fixed orientation of the retaining apparatus base member 620 and the non-fixed orientation of the inflation apparatus base member 630 in FIGS. 26A and 26B). In some implementations, a second axial component may include axial movement identified at reference sign A₆₁₆ that is related to axial movement of the wheel engaging plunger member 616 of the end effecter 606 that may arise from, for example, a change in orientation of the robotic arm 604 such that the second end 604 b of the robotic arm 604 may be moved closer to the tire-wheel assembly, TW, in a plunging motion. As explained above, one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 may cause one or more of the axial movements, A₆₁₄′, A₆₁₆.

Referring to FIG. 26B, the axial movement A₆₁₆ may result in the axially-projecting portion 618 of the wheel engaging plunger member 616 being disposed through the axial opening, W_(O), of the wheel, W. Further, one or more of the axial movement A₆₁₄′, A₆₁₆ may result in the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b being located in a spaced-apart, but proximate orientation relative to the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W, while also locating the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b substantially adjacent at least a portion of a sidewall, T_(S), of the tire, T. The locating of the wheel engaging plunger member 616 within the axial opening, W_(O), of the wheel, W, may also assist in arranging/positioning/anchoring the end effecter 606 in a pre-inflation orientation relative of the wheel, W. The locating of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b substantially adjacent at least a portion of the sidewall, T_(S), of the tire, T, may serve to position the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b in a pre-inflation “ready position” prior to at least partially engaging the wheel, W, as seen in FIG. 26C, which may be in response to pivoting movement, P, P′, of the first and second inflations probes 614 a, 614 b from at least a partially expanded orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 26B) to at least a partially retracted orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 26C).

Referring to FIG. 26C, movement of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b to at least a partially retracted orientation results in an upper lip 636 of the distal end portion 656 of each of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b “kissing”/contacting a portion of the wheel, W, proximate the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W, such that the distal end portion 656 of each of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may be disposed/wedges between a portion of the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T, and the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W. As a result of the orientation of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b, which results in the “kissing”/contacting of the wheel, W, as described above, a probe fluid conduit 638 formed within the distal end portion 656 may be arranged in a substantially spaced-apart, opposing relationship with respect to a portion of a circumferential rim, W_(R), of the wheel, W.

Further, as seen in FIG. 26C, prior to/during/after movement of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b, the retaining apparatus radially-projecting portions 622 may be radially-retracted inwardly into the retaining apparatus base member 620 according to the direction of the arrows, R, R′, for causing corresponding radially-inward movement of the axially-projecting portions 624 and head portions 628 according to the direction of the arrows, R, R′; accordingly, movement of the retaining apparatus radially-projecting portions 622 may result in the head portions 628 coming into contact with and engaging the tread surface, T_(T), of the tire, T (see, e.g., FIG. 26D).

As similarly described above, the sensor 634 may sense a geometry of the tire-wheel assembly, TW, such as, for example, an outer diameter of the tire, T. Accordingly, the sensor 634 may cause one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 to provide the radial movement, R, R′, of the retaining apparatus radially-projecting portions 622, the axially-projecting portions 624 and the head portions 628 in order to engage differently-sized tires, T. As such, the radial movement, R, R′, may result in the retaining apparatus 612 being arranged in one of an expanded and retracted orientation in order to arrange the retaining apparatus in a pre-engagement orientation relative to the tire, T, and an engaged orientation with the tire, T.

Referring to FIG. 26D, one or more primary fluid conduits 640 may extend through one or more of: the wheel-engaging plunger member 616, the inflation apparatus base member 630 and the probe radially-projecting portions 632. The one or more primary fluid conduits 640 may be in fluid communication with the probe fluid conduit 638. Although the one or more primary fluid conduits 640 are shown in phantom in order to allude that the conduits 640 may be arranged within one or more of the above-identified structure, the conduits 640 may alternatively be located exterior to the structure and may be formed by, e.g., hoses (not shown) that are located exterior to one or more of the above-identified structure.

Once the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b and head portions 628 are positioned relative the wheel, W, and tire, T, as shown, for example, in FIG. 26C, fluid, F (see, e.g., FIG. 26D), which may or may not be pressurized, may be provided through the primary fluid conduit 640 and then into the probe fluid conduit 638 such that the fluid, F, may ultimately be evacuated out of the probe fluid conduit 638 and into the tire-wheel assembly, TW. The fluid, F, may be provided from a fluid source (not shown), or, alternatively, the fluid, F, may be pumped from atmosphere. In an implementation, the circumferential rim, W_(R), of the wheel, W, and an inner surface, T_(IS), of the tire, T, may form the tire-wheel assembly, TW, to include a fluid cavity, C, that receives the fluid, F, from the fluid conduits 638, 640 of the end effecter 606. As will be described in the following disclosure at FIGS. 27-37, the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may or may not include structure that assists in obscuring/blocking-off/at least partially sealing access openings, C_(O), to the cavity, C, that is/are formed by the orientation of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b relative one or more of the wheel, W, and tire, T, during the inflation process.

Referring to FIGS. 26D-26E, as the fluid, F, is filling the cavity, C, the tire, T, may be said to be inflated or expanded such that at least a portion of the sidewall, T_(S), of the tire, T, may expandably-conform to an outer surface profile of one or more of the distal end portions 656 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b. Further, as the fluid, F, is filling the cavity, C, the tread surface, T_(T), of the tire, T, may be expanded outwardly, pushing the head portions 628 away from the tire-wheel assembly, TW, according to the direction of the arrows, R, R′, which may correspondingly cause the axially-projecting portions 624 and the retaining apparatus radially-projecting portions 622 to be expanded or moved radially-outwardly according to the direction of the arrows, R, R′. Further, as a result of the fluid, F, being evacuated from the conduit 638 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b, the fluid, F, if pressurized, may cause the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b to “take off” or pivot away from the tire-wheel assembly, TW, according to the direction of the arrows, P, P′, such that the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may be said to be moved from the at least partially retracted orientation to at least a partially expanded orientation; however, in the absence of the fluid, F, being pressurized, or, in addition to the fluid being pressurized, one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 may cause the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b to pivot, P, P′, and/or the inflation apparatus base member 630 to raise the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b away from the tire-wheel assembly, TW, according to the direction of the axial arrow, A₆₁₄, such that the axial spacing, AS, between the retaining apparatus base member 620 and the inflation apparatus base member 630 may be reduced.

Referring to FIG. 26F, as a result of the fluid, F, filling the cavity, C, the tire-wheel assembly, TW, becomes pressurized and results in a bead, T_(B), of the tire, T, being moved by the fluid, F, such that the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T, may be located proximate the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W. As illustrated, the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T, may be located proximate the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W, in a sealing relationship such that the fluid, F, may be trapped within the cavity, C, causing the tire, T, to be inflatably-pressurized relative the wheel, W. However, as seen in FIG. 26F, although the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T, is located proximate the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W, a portion of the distal end portion 656 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may still be located adjacent at least a portion of the sidewall, T_(S), of the tire, T, such that the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T, may not be entirely disposed adjacent/within the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W. Further, as seen in FIG. 26F, because the fluid, F, has further filled the cavity, C, in comparison to the previous views illustrated in FIGS. 26D-26E, the tread surface, T_(T), of the tire, T, may be further expanded outwardly according to the direction of arrows, R, R′, pushing the head portions 628 further away from the tire-wheel assembly, TW, which may correspondingly cause the axially-projecting portions 624 and the retaining apparatus radially-projecting portions 622 to be further expanded or moved radially-outwardly according to the direction of the arrows, R, R′. Even further, as a result of the fluid, F, still being evacuated from the conduit 638 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b, the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may further “take off” or pivot away from the tire-wheel assembly, TW, according to the direction of the arrows, P, P′, and/or, as described above, one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 may cause the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b to further pivot, P, P′, from at least a partially retracted orientation to the at least a partially expanded orientation. Further, one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 may cause the axial spacing, AS, between the retaining apparatus base member 620 and the inflation apparatus base member 630 to be reduced by retracting the apparatus base member 620 toward the inflation apparatus base member 630.

Referring to FIG. 26G, movement of the fluid, F, through the conduits 638, 640 may be ceased. Further, as a result of the reduction of the axial spacing, AS, between the retaining apparatus base member 620 and the inflation apparatus base member 630 by retracting the inflation apparatus base member 630 toward the retaining apparatus base member 620, the distal end portion 656 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b may no longer be located adjacent / proximate at least a portion of the sidewall, T_(S), of the tire, T, such that the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T, may be permitted to be located adjacent/become seated within the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W; accordingly, it may be said that the tire-wheel assembly, TW, shown in FIG. 26G is inflated. Once the tire-wheel assembly, TW, has been inflated, one or more of the motor 608 and controller 610 may cause the robotic arm 604 to withdrawal the end effecter 606 according to the direction of the arrow, A₆₀₆, such that the end effecter 606 may, for example, transport the tire-wheel assembly, TW, to another processing station associated with the plant layout 30.

Referring to FIG. 27, a side elevational view referenced from arrow 27 of FIG. 26D is shown according to an implementation. Referring to FIG. 28, a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 26D is shown in reference to line 28 of FIG. 26D and cross-sectional line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

As seen in FIGS. 26D and 28, it would appear (in view of the illustrated cross-sectional views) that the upper lip 636 of each of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b sealingly-contact a portion of the wheel, W, proximate the bead seat, W_(BS); however, as seen in the view of FIG. 27, the arrangement of the distal end portion 656 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b relative the tire, T, and wheel, W, may result in a pair of access openings, C_(O), to the cavity, C. Accordingly, in view of the structural configuration/geometry of the distal end portion 656 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b, it may be said that the upper lip 636 may not entirely seal-off the cavity, C, from atmosphere. Thus, as a result of the pair of access openings, C_(O), to the cavity, C, the fluid, F, may be permitted to escape from the cavity, C, during the inflation operation; if the fluid, F, is permitted to escape as described above, a period of time to fill the cavity, C, may be undesirably increased and/or the cavity, C, may not be adequately filled with fluid, F, as a result of some of the fluid, F, escaping the cavity, C.

Referring to FIG. 29, an enlarged view referenced from line 29, 32 of FIG. 27 is shown. Referring to FIG. 30, an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 29 is shown that focuses on one of the access openings, C_(O), to the cavity, C.

As seen in FIGS. 29-30, the access opening, C_(O), generally appears to be illustrated to include a hashed or “checkerboard” pattern; however, the hashed or checkerboard pattern is not in reference to a cross-sectional view, but, rather, is in reference to a view of a portion of the inner surface, T_(IS), of the tire, T, opposite that of the tread surface, T_(T), so as to differentiate an example of a geometry of the access opening, C_(O), formed by/relative to the tire, T, and wheel, W. Referring to FIG. 30, the access opening, C_(O), may be generally formed by a side surface 642 of the distal end portion 656 of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, a lower body surface portion, W_(BS-LB), of a lower lip, W_(BS-LL), forming the bead seat, W_(BS), and an upper body surface portion, T_(B-UB), of the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T.

Referring to FIGS. 32-34, an alternative embodiment of a structural configuration/geometry of the distal end portion 656 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b of FIGS. 29-31 is shown generally at 614 a′, 614 b′ according to an implementation. The first and second inflation probes 614 a′, 614 b′ are substantially similar to the first and second inflation probes 614 a, 614 b with the exception that the distal end portion 656 of the first and second inflation probes 614 a′, 614 b′ of FIGS. 32-34 include an access opening close-out device 644. The access opening close-out device 644 is also shown in FIGS. 35-37; however, the access opening close-out device 644 is shown in a stowed orientation in FIGS. 32-34 whereas the access opening close-out device 644 is shown in a deployed orientation in FIGS. 35-37.

As seen in FIGS. 32-37, the access opening close-out device 644 generally includes an inflatable bladder 646 that is connected to the distal end portion 656 of the inflation probe 614 a′, 614 b′. When the inflatable bladder 646 is in a stowed orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 34), the access opening, C_(O), may remain un-obscured (see, e.g., FIG. 33), and, conversely, when the inflatable bladder 646 is in a deployed orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 37), the access opening, C_(O), may be at least partially obscured or at least partially “closed-out” (see, e.g., FIG. 36) by the inflatable bladder 646 such that the inflatable bladder 646 may be disposed proximate or substantially adjacent one or more of the side surface 642, the lower body surface portion, W_(BS-LB), and the upper body surface portion, T_(B-UB), in order to at least partially seal/close-out/obscure the access opening, C_(O), in order to inhibit or prevent the fluid, F, to escape to atmosphere. In some implementations, when the inflatable bladder 646 is arranged in a deployed orientation, approximately 100% of the access opening, C_(O), may be sealed-off; however, in some implementations, as seen in FIG. 36, for example, more than 0% of the access opening, C_(O), may be obscured or at least partially sealed-off (e.g., the illustrated implementation of FIG. 36 shows the inflatable bladder 646 obscuring approximately 65% of the access opening, C_(O)).

In an implementation, the inflatable bladder 646 may be arranged upon an exterior surface 648 of the distal end portion 656 of the inflation probe 614 a′, 614 b′. In some implementations, the inflatable bladder 646 may be disposed upon a portion of the exterior surface 648 that forms at least a portion of the upper lip 636 of the inflation probe 614 a′, 614 b′.

The inflatable bladder 646 may be arranged upon the upper lip 636 of the inflation probe 614 a′ 614 b′ such that when the inflation probe 614 a′, 614 b′ is arranged in a substantially similar orientation as seen, for example, in FIG. 26D, the inflation bladder 646 may be located in an orientation that is proximate and/or substantially opposite a portion of the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W, such as, for example, the lower lip, W_(BS-LL), of the bead seat, W_(BS). Accordingly, when the inflatable bladder 646 is arranged to be in the deployed orientation, at least a portion of the inflatable bladder 646 may be disposed adjacent at least a portion of the lower lip, W_(BS-LL), of the bead seat, W_(BS).

In some implementations, the access opening close-out device 644 may include a substantially rigid guide flange 650. The substantially rigid guide flange 650 may be connected to or located proximate/adjacent a portion of an exterior surface 652 of the inflatable bladder 646. The substantially rigid guide flange 650 may assist in directing the inflatable bladder 646 (e.g., in a substantially radial direction) toward one or more of the lower body surface portion W_(BS-LB), and the upper body surface portion, T_(B-UB). By directing the inflatable bladder 646 toward one or more of the lower body surface portion, W_(BS-LB), and the upper body surface portion, T_(B-UB), the substantially rigid guide flange 650 may preferably inhibit the inflatable bladder 646 from being undesirably-projecting toward a valley portion, W_(BS-V) (see, e.g., FIGS. 34, 37), of the bead seat, W_(BS), that receives a distal end, T_(B-D) (see, e.g., FIGS. 34, 37), of the bead, T_(B), of the tire, T; rather, the substantially rigid guide flange 650 preferably directs the inflatable bladder 646 toward the lower body portion, W_(BS-LB), of the bead seat, W_(BS), in order to maintain the desired affect of at least partially sealing-off the access opening, C_(O).

The inflatable bladder 646 may be arranged in the expanded orientation via any desirable methodology. For example, referring to FIGS. 34 and 37, in some implementations, a cavity 646 _(C) of the inflatable bladder 646 may be in fluid communication with the probe fluid conduit 638 by way of a probe fluid channel 654; accordingly, upon commencement of the inflation operation, a portion, F_(P) (see, e.g., FIG. 37), of the fluid, F, may be diverted to the cavity 646 c of the inflatable bladder 646 by way of the probe fluid channel 654. Although some implementations may include the above structure/methodology for expanding the inflatable bladder 646, the inflatable bladder 646 may be expanded independently of the fluid, F, such as, for example, by way of a hose or other independent conduit (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the cavity 646 _(C) of the inflatable bladder 646.

Referring to FIGS. 38-39, the distal end portion 656 of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, 614 a′, 614 b′ is shown according to an implementation. The distal end portion 656 may be formed from any desirable material, M, such as, for example, a plastic resin, metal or the like. In an implementation, the distal end portion 656 is formed from one material, M, such as for example, urethane resin.

The distal end portion 656 generally includes a first body portion 656 a and a second body portion 656 b. The first body portion 656 a may be referred to as an axial body portion, extending along an axis A₆₅₆-A₆₅₆, and, the second body portion 656 b may be referred to as an angular body portion that angularly deviates from the first body portion 656 a at an angle, θ.

The first body portion 656 a may form a fluid inlet end 658 having formed by a first end surface 660 and a fluid outlet end 662 formed by a second end surface 664. The fluid, F, may flow from the primary fluid conduit 640 and into the probe fluid conduit 638 by way of one or more fluid inlet openings 666 a-666 d formed in the first end surface 660, and, the fluid, F, may flow out of the probe fluid conduit 638 by way of one or more fluid outlet openings 668 a-668 d formed in second end surface 664. In some implementations, the probe fluid conduit 638 may form one conduit that is in fluid communication with each of the inlet and outlet openings 666 a-666 d, 668 a-668 d. Alternatively, in some implementations, the probe fluid conduit 638 may form more than one conduit that are each respectively associated with a corresponding pair of inlet and outlet openings 666 a-666 d, 668 a-668 d; for example, the probe fluid conduit 638 may include four probe fluid conduits 638 that are each correspondingly associated with the inlet and outlet opening pairs 666 a/668 a, 666 b/668 b, 666 c/668 c and 666 d/668 d.

Referring to FIGS. 40-41, an alternative distal end portion 656′ of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, 614 a′, 614 b′ is shown according to an implementation. The distal end portion 656′ may be formed from any desirable material such as, for example, a plastic resin, metal or the like. Because the distal end portion 656′ is substantially similar to the distal end portion 656, reference numerals are repeated in FIGS. 40-41 and not described in further detail here for the purposes of reducing redundancies. Structurally, however, it is recognized that the implementation of the distal end portion 656′ includes one inlet opening 666 a rather than four inlet openings 666 a-666 d, and, the distal end portion 656′ includes five outlet openings 668 a-668 e rather than four outlet openings 668 a-668 d.

In an implementation, the distal end portion 656′ may be further distinguished from the distal end portion 656 in that the distal end portion 656′ is formed from more than one material, M, such as, for example, a first material, M1, and a second material, M2. In an implementation, the first material, M1, may include a first type of urethane resin whereas the second material, M2, may include a second type of urethane resin. Because the distal end portion 656′ may be formed from two different types of material, M1, M2, the distal end portion 656′ may be formed, for example, in a “two shot” injection molding operation; alternatively, the materials, M1, M2, may be formed separately and later attached to one another.

In an implementation, the first material, M1, may include a first hardness characteristic whereas the second material, M2, may include a second hardness characteristic. The hardness characteristics may be described in units, such as, for example, hardness units (e.g., a “Shore durometer,” which may alternative be referred to as a “durometer”). A durometer unit may be classified in one of two scales that are commonly referred to as a “type A” scale (e.g., a soft plastic) and a “type D” scale (e.g., a hard plastic). Although two durometer scales are mentioned here, it is known that other durometer scales also exist and many include, for example, the following scales: A, B, C, D, DO, E, M, O, OO, OOO, OOO-S and R. Further, each scale may include a value ranging between “0” and “100” with higher values corresponding to a harder characteristic.

In an implementation, the first material, M1, may include, for example, a durometer hardness of approximately D-60 whereas the second material, M2, may include, for example, a durometer hardness of approximately A-60. Accordingly, in an implementation, the first material, M1, may include a harder characteristic than that of the second material, M2 (i.e., the second material, M2, may have a hardness characteristic that is less than that of the first material, M1,/the second material, M2, may be said to be “softer” than that of the first material, M1).

Referring to FIG. 41, the softer second material, M2, may comprise at least a portion of the second end surface 664. The second end surface 664 may form the upper lip 636 and a lower lip 670; in combination, the upper lip 636 and the lower lip 670 may form a “mouth” that may be defined by the one or more outlet openings 668 a-668 e; in some implementations, the second material, M2, may compose a portion of the upper lip 636 and a portion of the lower lip 670 such that the second material, M2, forms the mouth that creates the one or more outlet openings 668 a-668 e to increase the sealability of the distal end portion 656′ over that of the distal end portion 656. In some implementations, as seen in FIG. 41, for example, the second material, M2, may form at least a portion of each of the upper lip 636 and the lower lip 670 such that the second material, M2, may form substantially all of the lower lip 670 while forming approximately half of the upper lip 636.

The second material, M2, may serve one or more purposes in association with the operation of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, 614 a′, 614 b′. For example, because the second material, M2, is relatively soft, the second material, M2, may be dynamically shaped in a manner so as to conform to anything that the second end surface 664 may come into contact with such as, for example, one or more of the wheel, W, and tire, T; by being able to conform to a portion of one or more of the wheel, W, and the tire, T, the second material, M2, may promote an increased sealability of the distal end portion 656′ over that of the distal end portion 656. Further, because the second material, M2, may be soft, the second material, M2, may be inhibited from imparting damage to, for example, the lower body portion, W_(BS-LB), of the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W, whereas a relatively harder material that may form the distal end portion 656 may otherwise more easily impart damage to the lower body portion, W_(BS-LB), of the bead seat, W_(BS), of the wheel, W.

Referring to FIGS. 42-43A, an alternative distal end portion 656″ of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, 614 a′, 614 b′ is shown according to an implementation. The distal end portion 656″ may be formed from any desirable material such as, for example, a plastic resin, metal or the like. Because the distal end portion 656″ is substantially similar to the distal end portion 656, reference numerals are repeated in FIGS. 42-43A and not described in further detail here for the purposes of reducing redundancies. Structurally, however, it is recognized that the implementation of the distal end portion 656″ includes one inlet opening 666 a rather than four inlet openings 666 a-666 d, and, the distal end portion 656″ includes one outlet opening 668 a rather than four outlet openings 668 a-668 d.

Further, referring to FIG. 43A, the second body portion 656 b may not be referred to as an “angular” second body portion because the second body portion 656 b does not angularly deviate from the first body portion 656 a; accordingly, for illustrative purposes, the angle, θ, is represented for illustrative purposes only in order to show that the angle, θ, is approximately 0°. In an alternative implement as seen in FIG. 43B, a distal end portion 656″* is substantially similar to that of the distal end portion 656″ with the exception that the distal end portion 6565″* is further distinguished in a manner that includes more than one material, M, such as, for example, a first material, M1, and a second material, M2. The inclusion of the first and second materials, M1, M2 serves the same purposes as described above and are not described in further detail here for the purpose of reducing redundancies.

Referring to FIGS. 44-45A, an alternative distal end portion 656′″ of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, 614 a′, 614 b′ is shown according to an implementation. The distal end portion 656′″ may be formed from any desirable material such as, for example, a plastic resin, metal or the like. Because the distal end portion 656″′ is substantially similar to the distal end portion 656″, reference numerals are repeated in FIGS. 44-45A and not described in further detail here for the purposes of reducing redundancies. Structurally, however, it is recognized that the implementation of the distal end portion 656′″ is different than that of the distal end portion 656″ in that the lower lip 670 of the distal end portion 656″′ extends axially beyond that of the lower lip 670 of the distal end portion 656″ (see, comparatively, FIGS. 43A and 45A). In an alternative implement as seen in FIG. 45B, a distal end portion 656′″* is substantially similar to that of the distal end portion 656″′ with the exception that the distal end portion 6565″′* is further distinguished in a manner that includes more than one material, M, such as, for example, a first material, M1, and a second material, M2. The inclusion of the first and second materials, M1, M2 serves the same purposes as described above and are not described in further detail here for the purpose of reducing redundancies.

Referring to FIGS. 46-47A, an alternative distal end portion 656″″ of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, 614 a′, 614 b′ is shown according to an implementation. The distal end portion 656″″ may be formed from any desirable material such as, for example, a plastic resin, metal or the like. Because the distal end portion 656″″ is substantially similar to the distal end portion 656, reference numerals are repeated in FIGS. 46-47A and not described in further detail here for the purposes of reducing redundancies. Structurally, however, it is recognized that the implementation of the distal end portion 656″″ is different than that of the distal end portion 656 in that the second body portion 656 b may be referred to as an angular body portion that angularly deviates from the first body portion 656 a at first angle, θ₁, and, further, at a second angle, θ₂ (see, e.g., FIG. 47A).

Further, a portion of the probe fluid conduit 638 formed by the first body portion 656 a, which may be referred to as an axial body portion, that is proximate the fluid inlet end 658 may be formed by an inner threaded surface portion 672. The threaded surface portion 672 may permit a threaded end (not shown) of, for example, a hose (not shown) to be connected to the distal end portion 656″″ for supplying the fluid, F, to the distal end portion 656″″.

Further, the distal end portion 656″″ may be formed from more than one material, such as, for example, a first material, M1, a second material, M2, and a third material, M3. In an implementation, each of the three materials, M1-M3, may include a rigid, metallic material. In an alternative implement as seen in FIG. 47B, a distal end portion 656″″* is substantially similar to that of the distal end portions 656″″ with the exception that the distal end portion 6565″″* is further distinguished in a manner that includes a fourth, non-metallic material, M4, that is similar to the second material, M2, of the distal end portions 656′, 656″*, 656″′*. The inclusion of the fourth material, M4, that is similar to the second material, M2, of the distal end portions 656′, 656″*, 656′″* serves the same purposes as described above and is not described in further detail here for the purpose of reducing redundancies.

Referring to FIGS. 48-49A, an alternative distal end portion 656′″″ of the inflation probe 614 a, 614 b, 614 a′, 614 b′ is shown according to an implementation. The distal end portion 656″″′ may be formed from any desirable material such as, for example, a plastic resin, metal or the like. Because the distal end portion 656′″″ is substantially similar to the distal end portion 656″″, reference numerals are repeated in FIGS. 48-49A and not described in further detail here for the purposes of reducing redundancies. Structurally, the implementation of the distal end portion 656′″″ is shown to include a hose 674 that fluidly-couples the first and second body portions 656 a, 656 b. A first end 674 a of the hose 674 may be located within a fitting 676 of the second body portion 656 b, and, an intermediate portion 674 b of the hose 674 may include a carrier member 678 (see, e.g., FIG. 49A) having an outer threaded surface 680 that is threadingly-coupled to the inner threaded surface portion 672 of the probe fluid conduit 638.

In an alternative implement as seen in FIG. 49B, a distal end portion 656″″′* is substantially similar to that of the distal end portions 656′″″ with the exception that the distal end portion 6565′″″* is further distinguished in a manner that includes a fifth, non-metallic material, M5, that is similar to the second material, M2, of the distal end portions 656′, 656″*, 656′″*. The inclusion of the fifth material, M5, that is similar to the second material, M2, of the distal end portions 656′, 656″*, 656″′* serves the same purposes as described above and is not described in further detail here for the purpose of reducing redundancies.

Referring to FIGS. 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48, each of the distal end portions 656-656″″′ include an intermediate portion 682 extending between the fluid inlet end 658 and the fluid outlet end 662. At least a portion of an outer surface 684 of the intermediate portion 682 forms an arcuate geometry. The arcuate geometry assists in conforming to the outer surface profile of the wheel, W, when the distal end portions 656-656″″′ is moved to an orientation that is adjacent the wheel, W.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. 

1. An inflation work station for inflating a tire-wheel assembly including a tire mounted to a wheel, comprising: a working device having an end effecter, wherein the end effecter includes a wheel-engaging plunger member, a retaining apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member, and an inflation apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member, wherein the retaining apparatus includes at least one tire-engaging portion extending from a retaining apparatus base member, wherein the inflation apparatus includes at least one inflation probe extending from an inflation apparatus base member.
 2. The inflation work station according to claim 1, further comprising a motor and a controller that provides means for: spatially manipulating one or more of the retaining apparatus and the inflation apparatus, wherein the spatial manipulation of the retaining apparatus results in the selective engagement of the at least one tire-engaging portion with the tire of the tire-wheel assembly, wherein the spatial manipulation of the inflation apparatus results in the at least one inflation probe being arranged proximate a bead seat of the wheel of the tire-wheel assembly prior to supplying fluid from the inflation apparatus to a cavity of the tire-wheel assembly for inflating the tire-wheel assembly.
 3. The inflation work station according to claim 2, further comprising: a sensor coupled to the end effecter, wherein the sensor is in communication with one or more of the motor and the controller, wherein the sensor provides means for sensing and communicating a geometry of one or more of the tire and the wheel to one or more of the motor and controller for causing one or more of the motor and controller to spatially manipulate one or more of the retaining apparatus and the inflation apparatus to one or an expanded orientation and a retracted orientation.
 4. The inflation work station according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tire-engaging portion includes: at least one substantially radially-projecting portion movably-coupled to the retaining apparatus base member, at least one substantially axially-projecting portion projecting away from a lower surface of the at least one substantially radially-projecting portion, and at least one head portion connected to the at least one substantially axially-projecting portion.
 5. The inflation work station according to claim 4, wherein the at least one head portion provides: means for engaging a tread surface of the tire, wherein movement of one or more of the at least one substantially radially-projecting portion, the at least one substantially axially-projecting portion and the at least one head portion provides means for arranging the retaining apparatus in one of a pre-engagement, expanded orientation relative to the tire and a retracted, engaged orientation with the tire.
 6. The inflation work station according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation probe includes: at least one radially-projecting portion movably-coupled to the inflation apparatus base member, wherein the at least one radially projecting portion includes a first end coupled to the inflation apparatus base member and a second end forming a pivot joint.
 7. The inflation work station according to claim 6, wherein second end forming the pivot joint provides: means for pivotably-moving a distal end portion of the at least one inflation probe in clockwise direction or counter-clockwise direction.
 8. The inflation work station according to claim 1, wherein the wheel-engaging plunger member includes an axially-projecting portion that provides means for engaging a an axial opening of the wheel.
 9. The inflation work station according to claim 1, wherein the working device includes a robotic arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the robotic arm is attached to an upper surface of a load bearing member, wherein the second end of the robotic arm includes the end effecter.
 10. The inflation work station according to claim 9, wherein the upper surface of the load bearing member includes an engagement member that provides: means for interfaceably-coupling the load bearing member to a work surface member of a wheeled cart, wherein the engagement member is disposable within a recess formed in a lower surface of the work surface member of the wheeled cart, wherein the wheeled cart transports an un-inflated the tire-wheel assembly to the inflation work station.
 11. The inflation work station according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation probe includes: a distal end portion that provides means for disposing the at least one inflation probe between a portion of a bead of the tire and a bead seat of the wheel in order to permit the at least one inflation probe to provide fluid to a cavity formed by the tire-wheel assembly for inflating the tire-wheel assembly, wherein the disposed orientation of the distal end portion between the portion of the bead of the tire and the bead seat of the wheel forms one or more access openings to the cavity, wherein the one or more access openings result in the cavity being non-sealably-exposed to atmosphere.
 12. The inflation work station according to claim 11, wherein the distal end portion includes: an access opening close-out device that provides means for at least partially sealing the one or more access openings of the cavity for at least partially inhibiting the fluid deposited into the cavity from escaping to the atmosphere from the one or more access openings.
 13. The inflation work station according to claim 12, wherein the access opening close-out device includes: an inflatable bladder arrangeable in one of a stowed orientation and a deployed orientation, wherein, when the inflatable bladder is arranged in the deployed orientation, an outer surface of the inflatable bladder may be arranged substantially adjacent one or more of a side surface of the distal end portion, a lower body surface portion of the bead seat of the wheel and an upper body surface portion of the bead of the tire.
 14. The inflation work station according to claim 13, wherein the inflatable bladder forms a cavity that is in fluid communication with a fluid conduit extending through the distal end portion by way of a fluid channel formed in the distal end portion, wherein the fluid channel provides means for permitting a portion of the fluid passing through the fluid conduit and toward the cavity of the tire-wheel assembly to be diverted to the cavity of the inflatable bladder.
 15. The inflation work station according to claim 13, wherein the access opening close-out device includes: a substantially rigid guide flange arranged proximate the exterior surface of the inflatable bladder to provide means for directing the inflatable bladder (e.g., in a substantially radial direction) toward one or more of the side surface of the distal end portion, the lower body surface portion of the bead seat of the wheel and the upper body surface portion of the bead of the tire.
 16. The inflation work station according to claim 1, wherein the at least one inflation probe includes: a distal end portion formed from more than one material including a first material and a second material, wherein the second material includes a hardness characteristic that is different than that of first material, wherein the hardness characteristic of the second material is less than that of the first material to provide means for increasing the sealability of the distal end portion when the distal end portion is located adjacent a portion of a bead seat of the wheel.
 17. The inflation work station according to claim 16, wherein the distal end portion includes one or more fluid outlet openings formed by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein the second material forms at least a portion of each of the upper lip and the lower lip, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the upper lip and the lower lip are arranged adjacent the portion of a bead seat of the wheel.
 18. A method for operating an inflation work station for processing a tire-wheel assembly including a tire mounted to a wheel, wherein the work station includes a working device having an end effecter, wherein the end effecter includes a wheel-engaging plunger member, a retaining apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member, an inflation apparatus connected to the wheel-engaging plunger member, wherein the retaining apparatus includes at least one tire-engaging portion extending from a retaining apparatus base member, wherein the inflation apparatus includes at least one inflation probe extending from an inflation apparatus base member comprising the steps of: spatially manipulating the inflation apparatus for causing a distal end portion of the at least one inflation probe to disposed between a portion of the bead of the tire and a bead seat of the wheel; and supplying a fluid from the distal end portion of the at least one inflation probe and into a cavity of the tire-wheel assembly for inflating the tire-wheel assembly.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the disposed orientation of the distal end portion between the portion of the bead of the tire and the bead seat of the wheel forms one or more access openings to the cavity, wherein the one or more access openings result in the cavity being non-sealably-exposed to atmosphere and further comprising the step of: at least partially sealing the one or more access openings of the cavity for at least partially inhibiting the fluid supplied into the cavity from escaping to the atmosphere from the one or more access openings by at least partially deploying an access opening close-out device connected to the distal end portion.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the deploying step includes: inflating an inflatable bladder of the access opening close-out device to be in at least a partially deployed orientation such that an outer surface of the inflatable bladder is arranged substantially adjacent one or more of a side surface of the distal end portion, a lower body surface portion of the bead seat of the wheel and an upper body surface portion of the bead of the tire.
 21. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of: spatially manipulating the retaining apparatus for causing the at least one tire-engaging portion to engage a tread surface of the tire of the tire-wheel assembly. 